Frontier Beats United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and More Airlines in Offering the Most Affordable Flights in US for Thanksgiving Travel and Christmas in 2025

Published on November 19, 2025

Frontier Beats United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and More Airlines in Offering the Most Affordable Flights in US for Thanksgiving Travel Program and Christmas in 2025 due to its ultra-low-cost model that continues to make it the top choice for budget-conscious travelers this holiday season. With holiday travel demand soaring, Frontier Airlines has managed to outpace its competitors, offering the most affordable fares for both Thanksgiving and Christmas travel in 2025. While other major carriers often come with higher base fares and additional service fees, Frontier’s straightforward pricing strategy provides clear, no-frills options, making it an attractive choice for those looking to save on airfare during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

As the holiday season approaches, travelers across the United States are bracing themselves for one of the busiest travel periods of the year. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, the race for affordable flights has begun in earnest. For many, finding a budget-friendly airline is at the top of the agenda. This year, one airline stands out in the race for the most cost-effective travel option: Frontier Airlines.

In a highly competitive market, Frontier has outpaced major airlines like United, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest, offering the most affordable US flights for the 2025 Thanksgiving Travel Program and Christmas season. This achievement comes thanks to Frontier’s ultra-low-cost structure, a model that many travelers are becoming increasingly familiar with. However, as consumers seek the best deals, the challenge lies in distinguishing truly affordable fares from those that seem cheap but come with hidden fees.

The RASK Ranking: Understanding the Cost Behind the Fare

To separate the true budget heroes from the super-low fares that are anything but after all the fees, passenger rights expert AirAdvisor published its first-ever ranking of the 10 most affordable U.S. airlines for 2025. The ranking is based on a metric called RASK: revenue per available seat kilometer. This metric is crucial as it measures how much an airline actually earns per seat per kilometer flown, including all the hidden costs like baggage, seat selection, and other “convenience” fees.

While the fares may appear low at first glance, understanding the full cost of a flight means accounting for the extra charges that come with booking a ticket. This is where RASK comes into play, allowing passengers to get a clearer view of which airlines truly offer affordable travel without sacrificing quality or service.

The Cheapest US Airlines for 2025

According to the RASK analysis, the cheapest US airline for 2025 is Frontier Airlines, with a revenue of $0.095 per seat mile. This ultra-low-cost carrier takes the top spot by a considerable margin, offering the most economical choice for US domestic travel. Frontier’s no-frills model is perfect for travelers who can forgo luxury services in exchange for a much lower price tag. However, passengers need to be prepared for added costs related to baggage, seat selection, and refreshments onboard.

Coming in second place is Spirit Airlines, with a RASK of $0.11 per seat mile. Known for its “bare fare” philosophy, Spirit provides basic tickets that cover only the seat and one personal item. Everything else—like carry-on luggage, seat assignments, and drinks—comes with additional charges. Despite this, Spirit remains an affordable option for travelers looking to minimize their flight costs, especially if they are traveling light.

Hawaiian Airlines takes the third spot, with a RASK of $0.12 per seat mile. Known for its reliability and excellent service, Hawaiian Airlines offers an affordable alternative to budget carriers for travelers heading to the Pacific Islands. While Hawaiian may not have the ultra-low prices of Spirit or Frontier, it provides a balance of affordability and comfort, especially for those seeking a tropical getaway.

Top 10 Most Affordable U.S. Airlines for 2025 Based on RASK

Airline Data: 2024 Passenger Traffic

To better understand the scale and impact of these airlines, it is helpful to consider their passenger traffic in 2024. This data provides a clearer picture of how much these airlines are influencing the US air travel market.

These figures highlight the vast differences in scale among the airlines. Major carriers like American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are serving hundreds of millions of passengers annually, while budget carriers like Frontier and Spirit maintain a smaller but still substantial customer base.

Thanksgiving and Christmas Travel: Frontier’s Advantage

As the holiday travel season kicks off, Frontier Airlines is proving to be the go-to choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you’re flying to visit family for Thanksgiving or embarking on a Christmas vacation, Frontier offers unbeatable prices for US domestic flights.

For travelers who are flexible with their schedules and can manage without extra perks, Frontier’s low-cost flights are hard to beat. However, passengers should be prepared for additional fees, including charges for seat selection, checked bags, and in-flight refreshments. Despite these extra costs, the airline’s overall affordability makes it the top contender for the cheapest US flights this holiday season.

In contrast, JetBlue offers more amenities than the ultra-low-cost carriers, making it an appealing option for those who want a bit more comfort without sacrificing affordability. With a slightly higher RASK of $0.131 per seat mile, JetBlue still offers competitive fares with the added benefit of complimentary snacks and drinks on many flights.

Southwest Airlines also continues to be a popular choice for holiday travelers. Known for its free checked baggage policy and relaxed seating arrangements, Southwest provides excellent value, especially for families traveling together. While its RASK is higher than some budget carriers, it offers the comfort and flexibility that many travelers prefer.

Booking Tips for Budget-Friendly Holiday Travel

1. Book Early: Thanksgiving and Christmas flights are in high demand, so booking early is key to securing the best fares. While budget carriers like Frontier and Spirit often offer low initial prices, these fares tend to increase as the travel date approaches.
2. Be Flexible: If possible, try to book flights on non-peak days, such as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving or the days leading up to Christmas. Flexibility can lead to significant savings, especially with budget carriers.
3. Know the Fees: When booking with ultra-low-cost carriers, it’s important to factor in additional fees, such as for checked bags, seat selection, and in-flight services. These can add up quickly, so be sure to compare the total cost of your ticket.
4. Sign Up for Alerts: Many airlines offer fare alerts for specific routes. Signing up for these can help you stay informed about price drops and special promotions, especially during the busy holiday season.
5. Check for Bundles: Some airlines offer bundle deals, which include additional services like baggage or seat selection at a discounted price. These bundles can sometimes be more affordable than paying for each service separately.

In the battle for the cheapest flights for the 2025 holiday season, Frontier Airlines stands head and shoulders above its competitors. By offering ultra-low fares and maintaining a no-frills approach, Frontier is set to dominate the US air travel market during Thanksgiving and Christmas. While it may not offer the same level of comfort and amenities as the larger carriers, its ability to keep prices low makes it the airline of choice for many budget-conscious travelers.

Frontier Beats United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and More Airlines in Offering the Most Affordable Flights in US for Thanksgiving Travel Program and Christmas in 2025 due to its ultra-low-cost model, which provides the cheapest fares without the extra frills and hidden fees that other major airlines charge during the busy holiday season.

However, as with any ultra-low-cost carrier, passengers need to be aware of additional fees that can inflate the overall cost of their flight. By understanding the true cost of their ticket and making strategic choices, travelers can still enjoy an affordable and pleasant holiday journey. Whether you’re flying with Frontier, Spirit, or another airline, 2025 promises to be a year of savings for savvy holiday travelers.